UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE USACONSISTORY OFFICE OF PUBLIC RELATIONSPRESS RELEASE

Meeting of the Deans of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA at the Metropolia Center

Meeting of On August 9, 2013, a meeting of the Deans of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA was called by His Eminence Metropolitan Antony and His Grace Bishop Daniel. The Bishops and Deans met to discuss a strategic plan for the future of the Deaneries at the Consistory of the UOC of the USA. The Deans present included:

His Eminence called upon each of the Deans to discuss the state of each of the parishes of his Deanery and its makeup, as well as issues of the Deanery in general.

The hierarchs instructed the deans as to their responsibilities and their roles as priests and deans. The hierarchs further discussed the feasibility of annual visitation by the Deans to the parishes. Moreover, the Deaneries must conduct meetings at least once a year, including clergy and parish representatives. In addition, there is a need to be a meeting of the Dean with the Clergy of the Deanery and that at least one meeting per year should be with the eparchial Bishop. The Deans were reminded that the Constitutions states that they have a responsibility to give an annual report to their Eparchial Bishop and a triennial report to the Sobor.

His Eminence discussed the need for continuing education of all clergy. His Grace Bishop Daniel then did a presentation on the need to reverse the shrinking trend of parishes, including implementing a mission-centered parish program. His Grace stated that the Lord did not establish parishes, but He did gather disciples, who were instructed to ‘go and baptize… preach… live out your Faith…” The parishes need to have a Gospel-centered vision and His grace gave an eight step program for the Deans to share with the clergy of his deanery. The meeting was closed with prayer led by His Grace Bishop Daniel.